This fund has been established to provide immediate financial security for Mariah Smith following being laid off unexpectedly in the Fall of 2023. Mariah is a Queer Black Femme whose career has been rooted in equity, inclusivity, and paying it forward.

Mariah is an incredibly empathetic friend and colleague who continuously and intentionally shows up for the people in their world. Whenever someone needs a helping hand Mariah is the first person to step up and is always ready to share a joke, a shoulder, a hug, or anything else you could fathom. Mariah anticipates and holds space for others in a totally unique and loving way that If you’re lucky enough to experience it—changes you forever. They do so much to take care of us; Now it’s our turn to take care of them.

The expenses are outpacing job-hunting efforts, and as the market gets increasingly tumultuous, we, Mariah’s community, are reaching out to our wider communities to help alleviate some of this financial burden collectively in this difficult time.

This fund is designed to secure housing and cover living costs that have piled up over the past several months. Please help ensure that Mariah can maintain housing as the job search continues!